Full Circle: 43 Da Vinci Alumni Return to Shape Future Generations
The Da Vinci Schools community is flourishing, with a remarkable network of 43 alumni who have returned to contribute across all campuses. These former students now serve in diverse roles—including teaching, counseling, IT support, and administration—bringing their unique perspectives and experiences back to the classrooms and offices where their own educational journeys began.
Their return is a testament to the strong sense of community and purpose cultivated at Da Vinci. By rejoining as educators and staff, these alumni are not only giving back but also actively shaping the next generation of learners, reinforcing Da Vinci’s commitment to real-world learning and lifelong connections.
For Alyssa Armstrong (DV Science ‘13), returning as a Mathematics Teacher at Da Vinci Connect High felt like coming home. “Being able to teach in a school that shaped my own education is incredibly rewarding,” she shares. After years teaching in Downtown Los Angeles, she returned to the South Bay, drawn by Da Vinci’s collaborative and innovative environment.
Ashley Fernandez (DV Design ‘17), a Special Education Teacher Resident at Da Vinci Connect K-8, first joined Da Vinci in 2021 as an Academic Coach. She’s now completing her master’s degree and teaching credential in special education. “My teaching philosophy aligns with Da Vinci’s emphasis on project-based, real-world learning,” she says. “It’s an honor to return as an educator.”
Melissa Reynoso (DV Science ‘13), a Speech-Language Pathologist at Da Vinci Connect, credits her student experience for inspiring her career path. “Da Vinci made me feel seen and supported. Now, I want to provide that same experience for my students,” she says. Since 2013, Melissa has grown alongside the school’s evolving programs.
The theme of giving back runs deep among alumni staff members. Matthew Nuñez (DV Science ‘13), now a Social Studies Teacher at Da Vinci RISE, was once an Academic Coach before stepping into the classroom full-time in 2023. “One of the best parts of working at Da Vinci is collaborating with colleagues who share the same passion for student success,” he notes.
Emily Shapiro (DV Design ‘13), Marketing Assistant since 2022, values Da Vinci’s welcoming culture. “I wanted to work with intelligent, ambitious people that DV fosters. I’ve loved expressing my creativity and collaborating with such inspiring colleagues.” Emily is now headed to the University of Washington to pursue a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition and Registered Dietitian training.
Also from the Design campus, Leslie Alonso (DV Design ‘20) began as a Paraeducator and Academic Coach in 2022 and now serves as Administrative Services Manager at Da Vinci Design. “I love being part of this community and working closely with students, parents, and staff,” she says. “Building strong connections and supporting student growth is incredibly rewarding.”
Lolita Go (DV Science ‘16) initially planned a career in medicine but discovered her passion for teaching through Da Vinci’s Alder Teacher Residency program. She completed her student teaching at Da Vinci Science under her former biology teacher, now Assistant Principal Saya Wai. “My love for biology started at Da Vinci,” Lolita reflects, “and now I get to pass that passion on to my students.”
Roberto Holguin (DV Science ‘13), newly hired as an Academic Coach at Da Vinci Design, is excited to give back. “I wanted to contribute to an incredible organization that had a profoundly positive impact on my life,” he says. Roberto is currently completing his Bachelor’s in Psychology and plans to pursue a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Beyond the classroom, alumni play vital roles across departments. Ebony Bobadilla (DV Design ‘14), Enrollment Coordinator, enjoys guiding prospective Da Vinci Connect TK-12th grade families through the enrollment process. Blake Cabrera (DV Science ’20), Grounds Supervisor and Campus Safety Team member, supports students beyond academics. “I want to be a resource for students, just like the staff were for me when I was a student,” he says.
For many, working at Da Vinci is a stepping stone toward long-term goals. Danitza Aguilar (DV Design ‘18), an Academic Coach, is pursuing a degree in dietetics. Adrian Flores (DV Communications ‘22), a Para-Counselor, will soon complete his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Human Development before heading to graduate school.
Savanah Langley (DV Science ‘18), Office Manager at Da Vinci TK-8 since 2018, appreciates the growth she’s experienced. “Supporting students while developing my communication and leadership skills has been invaluable,” she says.
The IT department is also home to three Da Vinci alumni, including Samuel Renteria (DV Science ‘12), who has worked in IT Support since 2013. “Da Vinci has allowed me to gain real-world experience while working toward IT certifications.”
We are incredibly proud of our Da Vinci alumni who have returned to the schools that once shaped their own journeys. Their dedication, passion, and heart for giving back speak volumes about the lasting impact of a Da Vinci education. From students to mentors, our alumni are now guiding the next generation with the same care they once received.
Thank you to all the alumni working across Da Vinci Schools campuses:
2012
Kevin Hunley (DV Science ‘12)
Samuel Renteria (DV Science ‘12)
2013
Alexzandria Creencia (DV Science ‘13)
Alyssa Armstrong (DV Science ‘13)
Emily Shapiro (DV Design ‘13)
Melissa Reynoso (DV Science ‘13)
Matthew Nuñez (DV Science ‘13)
Roberto Holguin (DV Science ‘13)
2014
Brianna Castañeda (DV Design ‘14)
Ebony Bobadilla (DV Design ‘14)
Josh Beals (DV Design ‘14)
Jasmine Johnson (DV Design ‘14)
Jalen Chandler (DV Design ‘14)
Kelsey Vazquez (DV Science ‘14)
2015
Rachel Mitsch (DV Design ‘15)
2016
Aileen Ho (DV Science ‘16)
Ariana Castañeda (DV Design ‘16)
David Lopez (DV Science ‘16)
Jovanie Sandoval (DV Science ‘16)
Lolita Go (DV Science ‘16)
2017
Ashley Fernandez (DV Design ‘17)
Jesse Flores (DV Design ‘17)
Samantha Hernandez (DV Design ‘17)
Zach Tully (DV ‘17)
2018
Andrea Garcia (DV Science ‘18)
Danitza Aguilar (DV Design ‘18)
Faith Coburn (DV Design ‘18)
Italia Bobadilla (DV Science ‘18)
Savannah Langley (DV Science ‘18)
2019
Daryus Beene (DV Design ‘19)
Jocelyn Jimenez (DV Design ‘19)
2020
Angeline Cuevas (DV Design ‘20)
Blake Cabrera (DV Science ‘20)
Christopher McCreary (DV Design ‘20)
Gloria Perez (DV Design ‘20)
Hazel Salazar (DV Design ‘20)
Jelina Tahan (DV RISE ‘20)
Leslie Alonso (DV Design ‘20)
2021
Yvette Ruiz (DV Communications ‘21)
2022
Adrian Flores (DV Communications ‘22)
Amy Hernandez (DV Communications ‘22)
Anarosa Duran (DV Design ‘22)
Colin Glenn (DV Communications ‘22)
Crystal Cisneros (DV Communications ‘22)
Leslie Giron (DV Communications ‘22)
Sebastian Valle (DV Communications ‘22)
2023
Ian Griffin (DV Connect High ‘23)
Are you a Da Vinci alum looking to reconnect? We’d love to hear from you! Join our Alumni Association on LinkedIn and stay connected with our growing alumni network.
